Gov. Beshear: Team Kentucky prepares for severe winter weather this weekend
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — With a significant winter storm expected to move into Kentucky late Friday and last through the weekend, Gov. Andy Beshear says state agencies are already taking steps to prepare and keep people safe.
According to the Governor’s Office, the National Weather Service is forecasting widespread impacts across the state, including snowfall totals that could reach up to 8 inches in some areas, along with the potential for sleet and ice. Bitterly cold temperatures are also expected to linger into next week.
“Kentucky, we are facing some severe winter weather this weekend, and we are doing everything possible to prepare ahead and have options in place to keep Kentuckians safe,” Beshear said in a release. He urged residents to take the storm seriously, turn on weather alerts, keep phones charged and avoid travel if possible.
Roads and travel
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says snowfighters across the state are already preparing. Crews are pre-treating roads where conditions allow, checking and staging equipment, and coordinating with partner agencies in case additional resources are needed.
Transportation officials are also working with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to share information if interstate closures become necessary. The cabinet maintains interstates, parkways and U.S. routes using a four-tier priority system designed to keep critical routes open first.
Drivers are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel and check road conditions at snowky.ky.gov before heading out.
Warming centers and shelters
Kentucky State Parks says several resort and recreational parks across the state are designated as warming stations. In the event of power outages, those locations may also serve as temporary shelters.
Officials say real-time updates on warming station availability can be found at parks.ky.gov/inclement-weather. State parks staff are also reminding visitors to use caution, as park roads and facilities could be impacted by the weather.
Emergency response
Kentucky Emergency Management plans to activate the Emergency Operations Center at a Level 3 at 7 a.m. Saturday. That means KYEM staff and key partners will be monitoring conditions and responding to needs statewide.
Emergency management officials are pre-positioning water in case of water system failures and working with counties to update shelter and warming center locations. A statewide map of shelters and warming centers is available online, along with preparedness tips at kyem.ky.gov.
State leaders say the goal is to stay ahead of the storm and ensure help is available where it’s needed most.
